Cruises Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research

Fighting cancer is now as easy as booking a Disney cruise thanks to a new program from CI Travel called Pink Ribbon Cruises. CI Travel has partnered with breast cancer survivors and cruise lines to create a program through which a portion of the company's commissions on any cruise booking will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. While the program is valid for virtually any cruise booked through the program, one of the most popular cruise ships is the Disney Magic, so CI Travel has created a special seven-night cruise aboard the ship in September 2003. In addition to helping the fight against breast cancer, Pink Ribbon cruisers will get invitations to special gatherings, have opportunities to meet special guests, and receive a number of gifts and amenities.Joining the cruise will be leading independent Disney expert (and breast cancer survivor) Deb Wills, the creator of AllEarsNet and the highly rated Disney resource site www.wdwig.com. Deb Wills' site has been acclaimed globally as one of the leading independent Disney resources on the worldwide web, and she is an unabashed fan of the magic that Disney creates. Also joining the cruise will be Chuck Wagner (www.ChuckWagner.com) , a well-known Broadway musical actor who has starred in over 1,200 performances of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Chuck will be joined by his wife, Susan, also a breast cancer survivor.According to CI Travel's Elizabeth Foss, the goal of the program is to offer a great vacation, a competitive price, and outstanding customer service, while also supporting the fight against breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. CI Travel is to be commended for creating Pink Ribbon Cruises, says www.wdwig.com's Deb Wills. Not only are they giving back to the community, but they're making it easy to do good " while having a good time. Unfortunately, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with this disease, now the leading cause of death in women ages 35 to 54.CI Travel is a $160 million company with more than 50 locations and is an affiliate of TRAVELSAVERS, INC., one of the leading international marketing organizations. TRAVELSAVERS now represents more than 2,500 independently owned travel agencies generating more than $13.5 billion dollars in annual sales. CI Travel is recognized as one of the top 50 travel companies in the country according to Travel Weekly. In 1996, CI Travel established an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). In doing so, CI Travel joins the growing list of companies whose employees are stockholders, although they are still rare in the travel industry.Pink Ribbon Cruises may only be booked through the program's website, PinkRibbonCruises.com. Only new bookings are eligible for Pink Ribbon Cruises benefits.

Six-Star Cruising on Luxury Cruise Lines

A luxury cruise is just what the name implies, a cruise at the upper end of the spectrum, not just five stars but a six-star cruise. There are six cruise lines that are in the luxury class: Crystal Cruise Line, Cunard Cruise Line, Radisson Seven Seas, The Yachts of Seabourn, Silversea Cruise Line, and Windstar Cruises.Crystal Cruise Line has received numerous awards for excellence. For the last nine years, Conde Nast Traveler has named Crystal "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line". Also for the last nine years, Travel + Leisure magazine has given Crystal the status of "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line". And for service, a Travel + Leisure reader's poll voted Crystal "World's Best". Crystal Cruise Line operates only three ships: Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. These ships carry approximately 1,000 passengers each and Crystal Cruise Line boasts the greatest passenger space per guest of any cruise line.Do you recognize the ship names Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth? These great ships come from Cunard, a name long synonymous with luxury and elegance in cruises. "With Cunard, the journey may be even more magnificent than the destination" states their promotional literature. Cunard operates just two award-winning luxury ships. The Queen Mary 2, launched in January, 2004, is known as the longest, tallest and largest ocean liner and carries 2,620 passengers. It is replacing the Queen Elizabeth 2 for transatlantic crossings but the QE2 will still be available for cruises.Radisson Seven Seas is a small luxury cruise line. Small here means that the ships carry a small number of passengers. Fewer than 700 fortunate passengers per cruise are pampered by attentive staff. Radisson Seven Seas has been named by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines to be the "World's Best Small Cruise Line". Radisson Seven Seas appeals to the sophisticated traveler.The Yachts of Seabourn cruise line advertises that they provide "Ultra Luxury" by "delivering the highest levels of personalized service to an exclusive group of guests aboard intimate, elegant ships that could visit the most enticing destinations worldwide." Seabourn sails three identical all-suite ships that cater to only 208 passengers each. Of course, dining and service is world-class.Silversea Cruises is a new company, founded in 1994, for the express purpose of providing an ultra-luxury cruise experience aboard small and intimate ships with all the features of a large cruise vessel. The Silverseas ships Cloud, Wind, Shadow, and Whisper provide all-suite accommodations that between 250 square feet and over 1,300 square feet in size. Silversea vies with Radisson Seven Seas and Crystal Cruise Lines for the accolades of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure in the world's best categories. Silversea Cruises has also has been named by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines to be the "World's Best Small Cruise Line" many times since its inception.Windstar Cruises offers a totally different sailing experience. Windstar Cruises offers motor-sail-yachts instead of cruise ships. Yes, their ships actually have sails that are computer-controlled with the latest in technology. Windstar's four ships carry just 148 to 308 passengers in staterooms or luxurious suites, giving the feel of being aboard a personal yacht. Even with such a small fleet, Windstar Cruises sail to over 47 countries around the world.If you're in the market for a luxury cruise, there are a number of excellent cruise lines to chose from.Looking for information about cruises?Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises!Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

Stratton Travel Attends Exclusive Luxury Travel Conference

Mahwah, NJ September 24, 2004 -- Over 2,000 top luxury travel agents from North and South America, the Caribbean and Australia " all part of the by-invitation-only Virtuoso travel network " recently convened in Las Vegas at the Bellagio for the ultimate summit of industry leaders. Thousands of individual meetings were conducted over a week between agents and top executives from the world's best cruise lines, hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators and other travel-related companies. Mahwah, New Jersey-based Stratton Travel Management and parent company, VTS Travel Enterprises, were among the attendees.It was an amazing week of new information, updates and relationship building, said Robin Marcus, CTC, a Master Cruise Counselor at Stratton Travel, and we are honored to be among this elite group of travel professionals. Marcus continued, A personal connection is invaluable in this industry, and our clients truly benefit from this high-level networking as well as the most up-to-date knowledge of what's new, improved and on the horizon in luxury travel.To be considered for membership in Virtuoso, a travel agency must maintain a certain annual sales threshold with Virtuoso's elite travel industry partners, including hotel groups such as Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis, as well as top cruise lines such as Crystal, Cunard, Silversea and Seabourn. Leveraging its $3 billion annual buying power, Virtuoso holds exclusive agreements with the world's leading hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, tour companies, rail lines, airlines and ground operators. Utilizing a Virtuoso specialist (such as those at Stratton Travel) to arrange upscale leisure travel automatically entitles clients to complimentary upgrades, amenities, privileged access opportunities and private events at many top international and domestic destinations. To find out more about top vacations worldwide, contact the following travel specialists: Tamsin Allpress at 888-697-0588 for exotic destinations; Robin Marcus at 888-456-9195 for luxury cruises, tours and spa vacations; Benita Herman at 888-488-0445 for expert cruise, tour and family travel guidance or call 800-223-0599 to find general information about Stratton Travel and its resources within the Virtuoso network of luxury travel agencies. About Stratton Travel ManagementStratton Travel Management is a Mahwah, New Jersey-based corporate and leisure travel agency with more than 35 on-site locations in the United States. Senior Stratton Travel agents work with corporate clients to consolidate purchasing power, leverage the latest travel technology and achieve cost savings through corporate travel policy enforcement and negotiated travel rates. As a Virtuoso agency, Stratton Travel's leisure division focuses on upscale, luxury travel for clients interested in traveling worldwide. Dedication to service and a superior understanding of each client's needs make Stratton Travel a great choice for all travelers, business or leisure!About VTS Travel EnterprisesVTS Travel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading travel management company located in Mahwah, New Jersey, specializing in managed corporate and leisure travel. Established in 1980, VTS Travel has grown through a program of strategic acquisitions and partnerships, increasing the number and quality of corporate, consumer and technology services offered. During this time, VTS Travel has become a leader in many aspects of the travel industry with over $500 million in current annual revenues, an employee base of over 400 national travel agents and 120 onsite representatives working within leading U.S. corporations. With services that range from telephone-based air, hotel and leisure reservations to Internet-based managed travel and reporting, VTS can supply an end-to-end travel solution for less.

Taking A Vacation Without Being Taken In By A Travel Agent

The travel industry reports profits in excess of $5.4 trillion worldwide. Travel agents earn a large amount of this money by receiving commissions on flights, hotels, cruises and even rental cars from coastal vacations. Consumers pay these travel agent commissions through hidden fees or other costs for their coastal vacation.The high costs of travel ground many people who dream of taking a coastal vacation to forget their troubles and everyday life.Eliminating the commission paid to a travel agent can make a vacation more affordable and attractive to almost anyone. A consumer can save 10 to 25 percent on a coastal vacation if they do not use a travel agent.Most major airlines eliminated travel agent commissions in recent years. Many travel agencies now make money by charging for their advice for coastal vacations. This "advice" costs anywhere from $60 to $80 an hour.Yet most consumers still choose this costly option when planning a coastal vacation. According to the American Society for Travel Agents, travel agents book:* 87 percent of cruises* 81 percent of tours* 51 percent of airline tickets* 47 percent of hotelsConsumers seeking coastal vacations can find an affordable option on their own, without using a travel agent. With money and time, consumers beat travel agents at their own game and enjoy a great coastal vacation!1. Good research equals good coastal vacations. The adage, "Location, location" rings true when traveling. A room with an Oceanside view means different things at different hotels and travel agents know this. A travel agent knows the best hotels for travelers seeking coastal vacations.The consumer who looks out his or her window with a clear view of beautiful beach during his or her coastal vacation will return to the hotel annually.If litter, nudist, dirty water or other unsightly views cloud the vision from the hotel, the consumer remembers this about their coastal vacation (and not too fondly) and will tell the travel agent. Travel agents do not want to hear this kind of news.Consumers can research their destinations for their coastal vacation and their hotels without paying a travel agent. Online travel sites provide detailed information about destinations, hotels and attractions and these sites do not charge consumers. Consumers act as their own travel agents for their coastal vacations save money.2. Money means everything! Unfortunately, most people lack the resources to take the coastal vacation they really want and should not give any of their money to a travel agent. Many airlines, hotels and online travel sites list great deals on vacations around the world on their websites. Anyone can take advantage of these coastal vacation deals without calling a travel agent.3. Travel agents do not know consumers as well as consumers know themselves. Would a conservative Christian want to visit a nudist beach for his or her coastal vacation?Would an avid angler prefer a beach where that prohibits fishing? Travel agents often make crucial mistakes when booking coastal vacations for consumers because they do not know their clients.4. Consumers can take advantage of travel agent business opportunities. Consumers with a home-based travel agent business receive discounts they pass on to friends and family.This gives the consumer the opportunity to take a dream coastal vacation and explore a new career. A home-based travel agent business gives a consumer financial and personal freedom to take as many coastal vacations as they like.

Carlson Leisure Travel Services Scores Extraordinary ROI and Highest Customer Satisfaction as Re-certification to the COPC-2000 Standard is Completed

Amherst, NY May 3, 2004 -" Carlson Leisure Travel Services is among the top services providers for credit card companies, financial institutions, and fulfillment loyalty programs. Driven by the demand for highest quality customer service, Carlson Leisure Travel Services clearly demonstrated World Class distinction while implementing the re-certification process across multiple contact centers. The re-certification audit was completed in less than one week with Carlson Leisure Travel Services meeting 100% compliance requirements immediately.Carlson Leisure Travel Services continues to make history as the first " and to date, only " travel fulfillment provider worldwide to achieve re-certification, and again, among mid- to large-size companies, achieving re-certification in the shortest time period. The re-certification process clearly demonstrates our continued commitment to Contact Center Excellence, ensuring our clients the highest quality customer service, stated Eric Burdon, Executive Vice President of Minneapolis-based Carlson Leisure Travel Services, which operates customer contact centers in Boise, Idaho and St. Louis, Missouri. Recognizing the critical importance of exceptional and consistent customer experience, the COPC certification process aligns perfectly with the Best-in-Class vision of Carlson Leisure Travel Services. Understanding the operational impact of quantified measures has driven both customer satisfaction and increased revenue. In fact, over 80% of recent, dramatic cost savings have been directly attributed to the COPC-2000 Standard implementation. COPC has been instrumental in our efforts to improve our business " and the results speak for themselves. They have helped us combine the best of the COPC-2000 Standard framework, Six Sigma and COPC Registered Coordinator training, enabling us to successfully grow our revenue, dramatically reduce operating costs, while delivering the highest level of quality and customer service, declared Mark Steinweg, General Manager. These efforts not only help to provide peace-of-mind to our clients and their customers, but it also strengthens our reputation as a great and secure place to work.Since its inception in 1996, Carlson Leisure Travel Services has evolved into the prominent service provider in the field of leisure travel award redemption programs and continues to enhance its valued level of customer service.About COPC Headquartered in Amherst, New York, Customer Operations Performance Center, Inc. (COPC) is the leading authority on customer contact center operations. COPC is authorized to issue certification to the COPC-2000 Standard, a comprehensive operations performance standard that specifies minimum operational requirements in critical functional areas. COPC services clients on a worldwide basis, and has representatives in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the United States.The COPC Standard was developed in 1995 by individuals from Microsoft, Motorola, Dell, American Express, L.L. Bean, Intel, and other customer-focused companies who were concerned with the level of service quality provided by Customer Service Providers (CSPs). Several hundred locations in 30 countries are using the Standard to improve performance, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. Users include firms in e-commerce, computer hardware and software, financial services, healthcare, telecommunications and consumer products. For additional information about COPC, visit www.copc.com, email info@copc.com or call us at 512-250-3412.About Carlson Leisure Travel ServicesCarlson Leisure Travel Services, a division of Carlson Travel Group, Inc. (wholly-owned by Carlson Companies), provides corporate clients with employee leisure booking tools, including TripForce.com, in addition to providing financial institutions and credit card reward programs with travel award redemptions. Through its customer contact centers, Carlson Leisure Travel Services currently assists more than 6.5 million active members of client credit card loyalty programs.Carlson Travel Group, Inc, is a subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies. Among the names in the Carlson family of brands and services are: Carlson Marketing Group, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Carlson Destination Marketing Services, Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, Park Inn hotels, Results Travel, Cruise Holidays, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, and T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants.

Discover A New Concept In A Travel Business - Cruise To Cash

The Travel Industry generates approximately 7 trillion dollars in revenue every year. Obviously, from these numbers, a travel business is an extremely lucrative niche business. Although much of these dollars are spent with large companies, such as airlines, hotels and resorts, with such a huge amount of revenue there is plenty left over for the "little guy" with a unique product as well. The Global Abundance Program has taken advantage of this and introduced a totally revolutionary travel business model - Cruise to Cash.Cruise to Cash is a travel business that provides a unique set of features including unlimited vacation vouchers that can be used personally and as promotional tools for other product offerings. It also provides an opportunity for the average person to start a travel business at a reasonable entry price. As the numbers would indicate, not only is the market large but the interest is also great amongst the population. Who hasn't dreamed of going to exotic locations and "living the good life"? Getting into travel as a business touches that "dream" aspect in everyone.Fred Siller, Chief Operating Officer of Cruise to Cash has had previous experience as an owner of a Multi-lines Insurance business and as a Top Leader in Home-Based Businesses. From this experience, Fred knows what will and what won't. Fred has had the opportunity to teach and train thousands in the game of "Free Enterprise" and plans to continue with this new endeavor. Cruise to Cash is G.A.P.'s newest business addition. It includes all types of travel - cruises, airfare, hotels, etc.For many folks flocking to the Home-Based business arena, Cruise to Cash may be the company they are looking for. It is an affiliate of a successful, innovative company run by experience Internet Entrepreneurs - the Global Abundance Program. G.A.P. is a company with social awareness and a commitment to global abundance - a portion of all sales are given to charities worldwide. Cruise to Cash is a unique business model with a very attractive and tangible product and a lucrative compensation plan that can be reached by most people wanting to get into a home business. All of these will contribute positively to the proliferation of the program and success of the members.

American Express World Cruise For Weddings

American express world cruises are perfect for weddings. You can take a cruise ship to an exotic destination where you will finally tie the knot or you can simply get married on the cruise ship while it is floating out in the open sea. Another option is to have the marriage on the cruise ship where it is docked.

American express has put out some interesting facts about its American express world cruises for weddings. For instance over 1/3 of all destination weddings take place on a beach complete with a barefoot groom and a bride with flowers in her hair.(http://www.amttravel.com/cruise-lines/cruises-around-the-world.html)

A surprising number of couples actually get married on the cruise ship. This can happen any time of day, while the sun is rising over the horizon, during twilight, or on the moonlit decks beneath the stars.

Some American express world cruises also stop at worldwide famous resorts that offer free weddings for couples who book their wedding there. This of course saves the prospective couple an amazing amount of money. In fact it is often the willingness of these resorts to pay for the weddings that makes these trips to wedding destinations so attractive. An interesting face to know that the average number of guests that attends these weddings is 63-if you are looking for a smaller, intimate wedding, this may be a good choice for you.

Just how popular are these American express world cruises for weddings? Well it seems that destination weddings have grown in popularity over 400% in the last year alone. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that a destination wedding is four times less expensive than what it would cost to hold a regular "land-locked" celebration. Some of these packages can cost less than five thousand dollars!

Destination weddings are also cheaper because it is expected that the guests will pay for at least part of their attendance. This means that the bride and groom do not have to fork out money for tickets for an .html American express around the world cruise for weddings. Only those guests who can pull their own weight will be present on the cruise. (http://www.amttravel.com/cruise-lines/world-travel-cruises.html)

There is also something to be said for having something exciting to offer your guests. Travelling to an exotic vacation destination on a cruise ship offers your guests much more than the usual boring destination.

Another nice thing about American express world cruises for weddings is that they offer you the choice of being as casual or formal as possible. You can also have a more stress free wedding, especially if you have unpleasant relatives or simply just want to be more private. Your special day becomes an event that becomes much simpler.

You only need to worry about the basics like getting the dress, rings, and what kind of champagne you would like to drink. You don't have to worry about being a diplomat, arranging big fussy dinners, or who is going to sit next to each other at the wedding rehearsal dinners. American express world cruises offer you the opportunity to spend a great deal of quality time with your loved one.